GEID System Info

In early 2014, the District began pumping water from the newly constructed Okanagan Lake (Joe Bulach) Pump Station to supply the Glenmore distribution area, which includes the Glenmore Valley, the Sexsmith area, UBCO, the Kelowna Airport and Quail Ridge. The lake water is treated with chlorine and released into the distribution system as required. As part of GEID's water quality improvement plan, an Ultra-Violet Treatment Facility is under construction in 2016, to provide an additional barrier of protection to this portion of the water system.

The Ellison area is serviced from the Kelowna Creek watershed, which lies east of the Kelowna Airport. Water from snow melt during spring run off is stored behind dams at Postill, Moore, and South Lakes. This water is subsequently released into Mill Creek and is now diverted to the Ellison area only. GEID also operates wells in the Ellison area to supplement the surface water supply. All water is treated with chlorine and the mountain source water is also screened. Water is released into the distribution system as demand dictates.

The primary objective of all purveyors is to provide drinking water that is safe, palatable and aesthetically pleasing. In order to achieve this goal, the District continuously monitors the distribution system, as well as the watershed. Water quality checks of the system are completed daily by the District staff. Additionally, water quality samples are collected three times a week and tested in-house. Once a week, samples are sent to an independent laboratory to test for various physical, chemical, and microbiological standards outlined in the federal Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.GEID Technicians who are responsible for water quality sampling and analysis have completed a two year water quality certificate program.

Reservoirs and pump stations are also connected via a SCADA monitoring system to the District office. If any problems arise at the Reservoirs or Pump Stations, a signal is transmitted to the office, which in turn sends an alarm directly to the crew or answering service for immediate attention. GEID's crew have completed the Environmental Operator's Certification Program and hold valid Water Distribution Certificates.

To maintain a healthy distribution system, water lines are flushed regularly to rid them of sediment buildup. As it is impossible to predict exactly when water mains should be flushed, District staff also rely on customers to inform them if water quality deteriorates.

The District continues ongoing work towards improving water quality with their construction projects.